Just now coming off of the headlining spot on the Jim Beam Tour, hard rockers Trapt have had a busy summer promoting their new self-titled major label debut album. Hitting the radio airways earlier this year with the hard-yet-hip single Headstrong, Trapt showed the promise of a musically clean-cut rock band with amazing drum and bass talent, as well as intriguingly original vocal styling.
And like their popular single, the rest of the Trapt CD is energized with a good balance of alternative and metal influence, and careful not to get bogged down into one particular genre, or produce tracks with a similar sound. Fans of bands like Hoobastank and 311 would most likely enjoy Trapt and the edgy 11 songs it brings to the rock table.
After the release of the Headstrong music video, which showcased the band performing in what seemed to be a some sort of, “windy garbage storm,” Trapt and fans of the new CD were ready to take it live. Touring the country with the fellow California natives Smile Empty Soul and Canadian rockers Three Days Grace, an eager concert go-er would have every reason to believe they are in for one heck of an awesome hard rock block. After all, good CD plus rockin’ video equals good rockin’ show, right?
Unfortunately, this did not turn out to be the case. The first two bands were hot, with performances more than sufficient to get the audience all warmed up. Three Days Grace guitarist Adam Gontier was feeling it to the point of smashing his apparently underappreciated Fender Stratocaster shortly after a Nirvana cover, raising some eyebrows in the crowd, since most knew he was indeed, not really Curt. In any event, the stage was set for Trapt-mania.
Filling the Anaheim House of Blues, drummer Aaron Montgomery began the intro rhythm to the song “Still Frame” while all awaited the appearance of Trapt lead singer Chris Brown. As the vocals started, Brown literally skipped in from backstage left, and began what would soon be a night of heavy music accompanied with a plethora of lost N’SYNC dance moves. Brown’s flamboyant showgirl performance style immediately drew energy away from the intensity of the music and hard rock impact of the show. His infant sized bright red t-shirt didn’t help either.
Other dynamics of the show were mediocre at best. Lead guitarist Simon Ormandy had more than his fair share of mistakes during pedal and rhythm changes. At one point, he and Montgomery began a Rage song only to stop 30 seconds into it—you just don’t do that people. Even more shocking was when Brown started the vocals to one song, while the band started the intro to another, stressing the importance of reading the set list, or at least knowing your own music. Seriously though, more is expected from artists when presenting themselves as professionals in the music business.
So, a note to all you rockers out there, if you’re a serious fan of the Trapt CD, and you don’t mind watching a bad Freddy Mercury impersonation for about an hour, their show is worth the $13 ticket price. But if you’re looking for the quality rock experience, save your dough and stick with the CD, some loud speakers, and about 400 of your closest friends. Oh, and one more thing, tell Justin he’s not invited.
